Introduction

The Professional Doctorate in Operational Excellence offers the opportunity for those with an enthusiasm for learning to gain a doctoral degree, the highest level of professional qualification available, in support of their professional career. The Professional Doctorate is structured via a modular workshop basis undertaken over a period of 2 years, followed by a doctoral research project of 2-4 years. It is designed around four modules which include nine 2.5 day learning workshops, facilitated by renowned practitioners and researchers who offer analytical perspectives on management philosophy, organisation development and methodology in the fields of Operational Excellence research. Students will undertake 4 compulsory taught modules as part of the completion of the Professional Doctorate programme.

 

The Buckingham Professional Doctorate will enhance professional capability and credibility, develop networks, and provide a firm foundation for further career development of graduates.

Course Outline

The Professional Doctorate in Operational Excellence is a unique part-time professional doctoral degree designed to enhance executive and professional practice through the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in contemporary business and management within the fields of Lean and Operational Excellence.

The programme provides an opportunity for business and management professionals to understand their own working contexts more critically and to find solutions to key challenges in their working environment by applying rigorous research principles. It is envisaged that students holding a Professional Doctorate will become (and ultimately lead) communities of practice for their specialist profession.

Through a series of nine residential seminars, the Professional Doctorate programme provides students with fundamental knowledge about the science of management with a particular focus on research methods, including quantitative and qualitative methods, which are designed around the chosen specialisms.

The Professional Doctorate award is distinct from the DPhil award in the following respects:

• There is considerable weight given to the taught component, which comprises an integral and key part of the programme, and the assessment of the taught component contributes directly towards the final award.
• The thesis produced by Professional Doctorate students will make an original contribution to knowledge within the relevant area or areas of professional practice.
• The Professional Doctorate typically focuses on research ‘in’ organisations rather than research ‘on’ organisations. Participants will investigate the results of application of concepts and theories in a particular working environment rather than contribute original knowledge in their chosen field.

Employers will benefit from supporting students on the programme by building knowledge for competitive advantage and developing and retaining key talent.

Students should apply initially for the MRes (Master’s in Research Methods).  On successful completion of this, they continue to the MProf (Master’s in Professional Practice) or DProf (Professional Doctorate).  See the “Teaching & Assessment” tab for more information.

Programme Director

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.